Ridiculously cheap tuition in these European countries: Cost of university degrees abroad

University education in the US is outrageous. Some colleges and universities are charging nearly $90,000 per year just for tuition. That price tag doesn’t include room and board or anything else except the privilege to study at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. A 4-year degree at Columbia University or Yale could cost nearly half a million dollars if we include rent, food and other expenses university students are expected to face while studying.

Of course not all universities in the US are that expensive, but even state higher education institutions can cost nearly $20,000. Some schools offer different incentives for top students and scholarships are available for academic overachievers and sport standouts. Student loans can also easen the burden, temporarily anyhow, but finishing a 4-year degree for less than $100,000 is a real challenge in this country. But what about universities in other countries?

European countries with ridiculously cheap tuition

From Spain to Iceland to Germany and many other countries on the old continent, students can get a university education for less than $4,000 and some are even free! That’s right, tuition is less than a quarter of what it costs to attend a state-funded university in the US and around 10 percent of what a private education would cost in an Ivy League school!

Germany

Getting a university education in Germany is free for German nationals and international students at public universities and has been for the last 10 years. Taxpayers in Germany flip the bill for public university education and students are only expected to cover cost of living, which can be done for less than $1,000/month in most German cities.

Iceland

The same is true for national and international students in Iceland. Tuition is free and students have to cover room and board and some registration and administration fee. Studying in Iceland is also interesting for foreign students some programs are offered in English. You can find more specific information on this website.

Spain

Great weather, amazing history and some excellent higher education institutions can be found on the Iberian Peninsula. Although tuition is more expensive for foreign students than Spanish nationals at public universities, some state-funded institutions can average around $5,000. Spanish nationals pay less than $1,500 per year for a university education in Spain and some pay even less depending on grades, family situation, etc. Keep in mind that most universities only have programs taught in Spanish, but some private universities offer degrees in English and can cost less than $10,000 annually.

France

Another popular destination for tourists, but also for those seeking a quality university experience can be found here. Nationals pay approximately $250 per year, but that price goes up fast for foreigners, who would be expected to fork out at least $6,000 annually for tuition. Some French business schools offer degrees and Masters programs in English and accommodation and food varies greatly depending on the region.

There are many other options in Europe for international students looking to study abroad, learn a new language and culture and pay less! Tuition doesn’t have to be so expensive and European countries are great examples of that for their citizens and foreign students alike.